LA MOTOR SHOW: Lexus confirms seven-seat RX-L SUV

Lexus has finally announced it will launch a longer version of its RX large SUV at the LA motor show at the end of this month.

The new, longer Japanese luxury SUV, called the RX 'L', was teased overnight with a small 'RX 350L' badge shot.

Set to be available in most global markets, including Australia, the more spacious Lexus SUV is tipped to go on sale early in 2018.

Instead of stretching the wheelbase of the regular RX, reports suggest that the RX-L keeps the current's car's wheelbase and simply boasts a longer body to accommodate the third row of seats.

The lack of a longer wheelbase could mean a tight squeeze for those in the third row, but the availability of a seven-seat RX will give Lexus a rival for seven-seat versions of the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5, among others.

Lexus has confirmed the RX-L will be available with the 221kW/370Nm 3.5-litre V6 that powers the RX350 and the 183kW/335Nm 3.5-litre hybrid powertrin from the RX450h, but it's not known if the 175kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in the entry-level RX200t will be available with the longer body.

Currently the Lexus RX range kicks off at $74,540 for the RX200t Luxury. It's thought that, as well as full specifications, Lexus will announce pricing and launch dates at the LA show.

Last night's RX-L announcement follows our original report of its existence way back in 2014, Lexus' subsequent denial in 2015 and then last year's confirmation it was on the way.